APDWS Code of Practice

Dog Walkers Training

Ideally all dog walkers should be trained for the safety and welfare of the walker, dog and
the general public. There are a number training avenues available and we would
recommend City & Guilds as these are the most recognised in the field. All dog walkers
should be over the age of 16 unless accompanied by an adult

Walking Dogs Alone

If you walk dogs alone you need to take extra care and avoid areas where you feel you
might be at risk, make sure somebody knows where you will be at any given time. We would
recommend that you avoid working alone at night. If you drive to an area to walk the dogs
make sure you have breakdown cover and someone knows where you are going.

Always carry a mobile phone with you and also a battery pack to ensure you charge
your phone, we would also recommend using trackers for your car and person.

Transporting Dogs

Transporting dogs is essential for the majority of dog walkers and care must be taken when
doing so. The dog’s health and wellbeing is paramount and precautions and safeguards must
be in place prior to any transport.

1. All vehicles should be fitted out with suitable cages or containment devices and
these must be used to protect and secure the dogs and avoid distractions whilst
being transported. When transporting 2 dogs or more the safety of the dogs must be
ensured and without risk of injury or harm.

2. The vehicle must have suitable ventilation at all times and have some sort of
temperature control for example air conditioning. You should also carry water and
suitable receptacles for the dogs to drink from.

3. Dogs must not be left on there own for long periods of time, for dropping off other
dogs on your route this fine as long as it is kept to the minimum (a few minutes) and
keep the vehicle locked while

4. When transporting dogs during periods of hot weather you should the keep the
travelling distance to the minimum, dogs can suffer from heatstroke very quickly and
can prove to be fatal.


5. If the dogs you are walking have fleas, mites, worms, ticks or any other type of
infection these will be readily transmitted in the vehicle. You should ensure that all
dogs are free from any type of infection / disease before transporting.

6. The vehicle must be able to be easily cleaned and cleaned on a regular basis to avoid
transmission of any unknown infections and or disease.

7. All transportation of dogs should be subject to the Welfare of Animals 2006.

Walking Dogs in groups of (2 or more)

When walking dogs in groups we believe that this should be kept to a maximum of 5,
however your insurance provider may have their own restrictions and, in this event, would
take precedent. When walking dogs in groups the following must be observed.

1. All dogs must be free of disease and or infections of any kind and regular checks
should be made with the owner to ensure that all worming and flea control
measures are in place. The dog walker should be observant of any changes in
character of the dogs or signs of scratching, skin ailments or other signs of infection.

2. When walking dogs in groups the welfare of the dogs is paramount and as such
should be suitable for walking together, if any of the dogs show any kind of stress or
unusual behaviour you should terminate the walk. You may have to contact the
owner to either arrange solo walks with you or try walking with different or smaller
groups of dogs.

3. All dogs must be kept under control at all times. The dog walker should ensure that
they have sufficient and suitable leads and collars, it would be advisable to keep a
couple of spare leads and collars.

Getting acquainted

It is paramount that you know as much about the dogs you are going to walk as possible;
the Association of Professional Dog Walkers & Sitters has provided the dog information
sheet and the client registration form which will assist you in this endeavour.

1. Meet the dog in its home environment so you can see how the dog behaves when he
or she is relaxed. Take the dog for a walk and asses the dog’s

2. Talk to the owner find out if he or she has any special requirements. Does the dog
have any allergies (essential if you’re giving them treats or feeding them)? Does the
dog have any medical conditions that require treatment such as medication and or
dressings? You should not administer any medications and or dressings unless you
are trained to do so. Any needs or requirements of the dog should be recorded and
incorporated into the contract.

3. Can the dog be aggressive towards other dogs, animals or humans? If the dog does
have any aggressive tendencies then he or she should only be walked by someone
who is trained to walk dogs with such tendencies and should be walked alone. When
walking aggressive dogs, you should avoid public places and or areas with other dogs
or animals. You must not let these dogs off their leads at any time. It may also be
appropriate to use an approved muzzle.

4. All walks should take into consideration the age, health and fitness of the dog.

5. You must take in the needs and or requirements of the owner and follow
appropriate instructions provided they don’t conflict with the code of practice. Any
special requirements must be recorded and implemented and incorporated into the
contract with the owner. If you have to deviate from the agreed contract for any
reason, this must be agreed by all parties (unless it is an emergency).
6. The dog walker must obtain contact details from the owner including a secondary
number should the owner not be contactable. The owner must provide details of
their Veterinary practice in case of emergency and agree that the dog walker can give
any appropriate.

6. The dog walker must obtain contact details from the owner including a secondary
number should the owner not be contactable. The owner must provide details of
their Veterinary practice in case of emergency and agree that the dog walker can give
any appropriate consent.

7. Finally, before asking the owner to sign any contract, you must let them have the
time consider it in full. Check to make sure you have obtained all the information you
need about the dog and requirements of the owner. If you don’t see the owner on a
regular basis, make a point of contacting them to ensure you are aware of any
changes in needs of the owner or dog

In an Emergency

In the event a dog gets injured or sick on a walk, the walker must contact the owner as soon
as practically possible. If the dog requires urgent care then the walker should:

1. Take the dog to the veterinary practice requested by the owner, if this is not possible
due to the condition of the dog you must take him or her to the nearest practice.

2. The dog walker should carry a canine first aid kit and be trained to use it.

Poop and Poop disposal

All dog walkers must properly dispose of dog poop caused by dogs in their care, this should
be disposed of in an appropriate poop bin provided by the council or a refuse bin.
Dog walkers should carry enough poop bags for the length of walk and number of dogs
being walked.

Other considerations

Some people are afraid or dislike dogs, so consideration should be made where you walk
the dogs, for example avoiding public areas especially if you are walking groups of dogs or
those with aggressive tendencies. You should avoid walking around schools, playgrounds or
where children congregate.

People should always have the right of way and you should avoid crowded areas.

You should be aware that some parks and local councils have their own restrictions and
bylaws and you should make sure your actions do not conflict with these.

Complying with the Law

Professional dog walkers are expected to comply with the law, as with any other profession and are expected to:

1. Be courteous and professional at all times.

2. Ensure the needs and welfare of the dog(s) are considered over and above any commercial interest of the business or entity.

3. The dog walker must have adequate public liability insurance and business car insurance if transporting dogs. The dog walker should also seek insurance to cover emergency treatment (veterinary Fees) should the dogs become injured, unless a prior agreement is made with the owner and forms part of the contract.

4. The dog walker must not exceed the number of dogs that can be walked as outlined in their insurance and in any event no more than four dogs to comply with our code of practice.

5. Dogs must be kept on a lead in public areas or put on a lead if instructed to by an authorised officer.

6. If you lose a dog in your care you must notify the owner immediately and the local dog
7. If a dog gets involved in an incident with another dog (in your group or not) then you must document the incident and notify the owner.

8. You must be familiar with and observe your local council laws and regulations and obtain advice if required.

9. All dogs must be microchipped by law and wear a collar with an identity tag with the owners name and address.

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